013 FANG FENG TONG SHENG WAN - Pure Flow of the River

Actions According to TCM:

• Releases the surface, disperses wind

• Removes external and internal heat

• Unblocks the intestines

Characteristics:

This blend is traditionally used when the body is affected by hot wind in combination with internal heat. This condition may manifest as high fever, dizziness, headaches, red and painful eyes, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, nasal congestion with thick discharge, constipation, and dark urine. The mixture is also suitable for individuals experiencing excess internal and external heat. The tongue may be red with a greasy yellow coating, and the pulse may be FU and SHUO, HONG, or XIAN and HUA.

In this situation, heat is present in excess, both on the surface and internally. This condition may arise from the penetration of hot wind (FENG RE) into the body, where pathogenic heat has already accumulated, or the hot wind may penetrate the body and remain present on the surface and at deeper levels. High temperature and chills are indicative of the presence of FENG RE on the surface of the body. Hot wind tends to affect the upper body, leading to dizziness, eye pain, and redness. The hot wind attacks the body via the lungs, drying out fluids, which causes dryness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and nasal congestion with thick, sticky discharge. Heat accumulating in the body may manifest as a bitter taste in the mouth, dryness in the throat, chest pressure, constipation, and dark urine. These symptoms may be reflected on the tongue and pulse.

Analysis of the Traditional Formula:

In the current formulation, some ingredients have been replaced by herbs with similar effects due to restrictions on their importation into the EU or their listing in the CITES register.

The primary ingredient, Fang Feng, is known for releasing the surface and dispersing wind by promoting sweating. The second main ingredient, Da Huang (treated with wine), expels heat through the stool. Wine-treated Da Huang has a stronger effect on circulation, while its purgative effect is moderated, which is important because excessive purging could cause the surface pathology to penetrate deeper into the body.

Other supporting herbs, such as Jing Jie and Bo He, assist Fang Feng in releasing the surface, while Zhi Zi helps expel heat through the urine. Because heat primarily affects the stomach and lungs, additional herbs like Lian Qiao, Huang Qin, and Jie Geng are included to clear heat at these levels. The upward nature of Jie Geng complements the downward nature of the purgative herbs in their separate actions on heat. Such combinations are often used when treating pathologies that exist on both the surface and within the body.

Additional supportive herbs such as Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, and Bai Shao help disperse wind. Since wind-dispersing and heat-clearing herbs can strain the spleen, the formula includes Bai Zhu, which strengthens the spleen. Gan Cao harmonizes the actions of the other herbs, and along with Jie Geng, helps alleviate throat discomfort, dryness, and difficulty swallowing. Sheng Jiang strengthens the spleen and stomach, enhancing the functions of the middle jiao.

Contraindications:

• Heat from deficiency.

Main Focus:

• Maintaining balance in the body when affected by hot wind and heat.

Chinese Diagnosis:

This formula is suitable for the condition of hot wind and internal heat. Internal heat may result from improper diet, unresolved infections, or emotional factors. This condition may be characterized by symptoms such as dryness, constipation, fever, and other manifestations typical of this type of imbalance.

Combination with Other Products:

• For severe skin burning, combine with product 012.

Dosage and Duration:

• 8 pills, 3 times a day.

Packaging:

200 pills / 33g.